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The purpose of this document is to explain the principles of safe chemical storage in
laboratories and to provide guidance on best practice. It is not a definitive guide and in
all cases the material safety data sheet [MSDS] for the substance must be referred to in
order to determine safe storage conditions and any incompatibilities.
There is a range of storage facilities suitable for chemicals in the laboratory environment.
Several of these are specially designed for the safe storage of different types of
hazardous substances. It is important to understand what substances can be safely
stored in which storage container.
In situations where there may be very small vessels or sample vials containing
hazardous substances, such that individual labelling is not practicable, these
should be secured within a secondary container such as a rack or tray which
should then be labelled as above.
2. Storage Facilities
Shelving provided for storing hazardous substances should be fit for purpose and
fitted to an appropriate standard by a competent person. The advice of the
Estates Office should be sought where new or additional shelving is required. The
following principles should be followed in relation to storage on shelves
Do not overload shelves if they are bowed they are overloaded.
Store breakable containers, particularly of liquid and hazardous chemicals
below shoulder height.
Store large heavy containers at low level
Where items are stored above this level ensure they are light
weight/infrequently used and that there is a safe means of access [ e.g.
step stool or ladders].
Central shelving on benches should have raised edges/lips to prevent
items being pushed off the other side.
Acid cabinets Modern versions are made of acid resistant materials [such as
polypropylene, HDPE or wood] and contain a tray to catch any leakage or spillage.
Wooden cabinets should not be used for storage of oxidising acids such as nitric
or perchloric.
Some acid storage cabinets currently in use may be made of metal and after
prolonged use will show signs of corrosion. Where acid storage cabinets are
acquired for the first time, or old ones replaced these should be acid resistant. An
example of acid resistant cabinets can be found at the following link though these
will available from other suppliers.
http://www.coleparmer.co.uk/catalog/productsearch.asp?search=acid+storage&i
mage1.x=34&image1.y=3
Flammable solvent cabinets These are made of either metal or wood with a
minimum fire resistance of a half hour (some are to one and a half hour standard)
BS 476. They should contain a spillage tray made of suitable material that is
compatible with solvents. They should have one of the following sign on the
exterior:
Ventilated cabinets These are cabinets which are fitted with forced ventilation.
They may be free-standing with their own extract system, or may be situated
beneath a fume cupboard and attached to its duct. They are designed to safely
store chemicals that give off noxious fumes and smells. These fumes are sucked
away by the forced ventilation.
Fridges & freezers may be used for storage of certain hazardous substances
however where the substances are flammable the unit must not contain any
internal light source or thermostat that could provide a source of ignition for any
flammable vapour. Proprietary laboratory fridges and freezers that meet these
requirements are available from major lab supply companies, domestic appliances
should be avoided.
Fume cupboards are not designed or intended to be used as storage areas and
they should be kept clear of materials and containers when these are not needed
for the ongoing operational work. Materials stored in fume cupboards may disrupt
the air-flow making the fume cupboard less efficient and compromising the safety
of the user.
Incompatibles: Alkalis & Flammable liquids are incompatible with acids and must
be stored separately.
Alkalis - Even although these materials are marked with a corrosive label, as are
acids, they must be stored separately from acids since any accidental mixing of
the concentrated materials will generate large quantities of heat and fumes.
Fridges used for flammable substances should be spark-proof. This is to avoid the
possibility of an internal light or thermostat control unit providing a source of
ignition should a container containing flammable substances leak or break.
These solvents are sufficiently volatile that multiple openings of a single container
can result in significant and dangerous peroxide concentration. The following
precautions should be taken in relation to these materials:
Oxidisers - (e.g. peroxides, perchlorates and nitrates) are best stored separately
from other materials. Ideally, they should be stored in a bin or cabinet made from
metal or other non-organic material. Oxidising agents must never be stored with
flammable solvents or reducing agents since fires and explosion can result after
any spillage, even without a naked flame or heat. They should not be stored
where they can come in contact with wooden shelves or paper. Perchloric acid is
especially hazardous and is best stored standing in a tray filled with sand within a
cabinet or bin, away from organic materials or dehydrating agents such as
sulphuric acid.
Poisons - Section 7 of the Poisons Act (1972) lists toxic substances known as
Schedule 1 Poisons. This has been amended by various Orders of Parliament.
This list includes most of the well known poisons such as arsenic, cyanide,
strychnine: http://www.rpharms.com/mep-pdfs/mep34s1-5.pdf
Drugs Precursor Chemicals. Details of these can be found in the Safety
Office document: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/safety/documents/drugs-
precursors.pdf
Acetic acid Chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds, ethylene glycol, perchloric acid,
peroxides, permanganates
Alkali and alkaline earth Water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide,
metals halogens
Ammonium nitrate Acids, powered metals, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrites, sulphur, finely
divided organic combustible materials
Azides Acids
Chlorates Ammonium salts, acids, powered metals, sulphur, finely divided organic or
combustible materials
Chromic acid and Acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol. Alcohol, flammable liquids in
chromium trioxide general
Cyanides acids
Flammable liquids Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium
peroxide, halogens
Nitrates Acids
Nitric acid Acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen sulphide,
(concentrated) flammable liquids and gases, copper, brass, any heavy metals
Nitrites Acids
Perchloric acid Acetic acid, anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohols, paper, wood, grease,
oils
Silver Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium compounds, fulminic acid
Sodium peroxide Ethyl and methyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde,
carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate,
furfural
Sulphides Acids